What is table wine?

How much do you know about Portuguese table wines? If you’re like the majority of the wine drinking population, you know very little, but Portugal has some of the most underrated, affordable table wines in the world. They range from robust plumy reds from the Alentejo to bright light whites of the Minho, and smooth full bodied whites from Lagos to fine delicate reds from Braganca. Although less frequent, Portuguese table wines can also be single-varietal wines of Tempranillo (Argonez in Portuguese), Syrah and Alvarinho to complex field blends made with several different varieties all grown haphazardly amongst one another and blended at harvest. Portuguese field blends derive from some of their 230+ different native grape varietals such as, alfrocheiro preto, baga and periquita, as well as more international varieties like merlot, syrah and chardonnay.

Historically, Portugal is a bit of a paradox in that it is an isolated seafaring nation both geographically and politically (look on any weather channel in Spain and you’ll notice a large gray blob on the western half of the peninsula). If it wasn’t for our Guinness drinking and fish and chip eating neighbors to the north, England, Portuguese wine may still be circulating internally among local watering holes. It all began with the oldest diplomatic alliance in the world called, The Treaty of Windsor, in 1386, sealing Portugal and England’s lifelong alliance through the marriage of King John I of Portugal with  Philippa of Lancaster.

In the 17th century, when England went to war with France, they naturally looked towards Portuguese wine, settling along the coast of Porto and establishing wine houses. In 1703, the Methuen Treaty was signed between both Portugal and England, formally declaring tariffs for Portuguese wines, a treaty which gave distinct advantages to both countries.

Climate for vines

Temperature 

Local temperature is probably the most important climatic aspect. While many viticulture areas tend to be near moderating bodies of water, some continental climates are also suited to fine wine production. Largely because of this climactic variable, the length of the growing season varies in different regions.

UC Davis Heat Summation Scale

The UC Davis heat summation scale measures the temperature of a vineyard in degree days. It suggests growing certain varietals in five different climates, but these are only recommendations. Successful growers delve much deeper into the details of the microclimate before they decide to plant grapes and produce wine.

Sun Exposure

Red and white grapes that enjoy a lot of sun exposure tend to make fuller bodied wines.
Wine grapes need at least 1,400 hours of annual sunlight during the growing season to ripen properly. This is also increases the temp, causing grapes to mature increasing the quality of the wine.

Fog Exposure

Fog exposure is one of many factors that influence the temp of a vineyard. It will moderate extremes, cooling warm days and warming cold nights and mornings. It is also responsible for botrytis cinerea, or “noble rot.” This aspect of climate plays a very important role in the finished wine.

Wind Exposure

While some wind exposure is considered a good thing, excessive amounts can stop the metabolic process of grapevines and produce unfinished wines. Like other climactic variables, it has a moderating effect on extreme climates. Some growers have machines in their vineyards to warm vines on cold, spring mornings.

Rainfall

The amount of rainfall wine region receives has a large impact on the type and quality of the grapes and wine produced. An excessively wet summer can induce harmful mildew in a vineyard. Additionally, precipitation shortly before harvest may dilute sugar levels and adversely affect the finished wine, thus the climate must be right. However, vines need no less than 22 annual inches of precipitation to survive. As usual, balance is critical.

Humidity

Too much humidity in the vineyard encourages mildew and disease. But, like other climatic variables, humidity is responsible for botrytis cinerea. Wines made with grapes affected by “noble rot” are extremely sweet and have a luscious feel on the palate.

The vineyard climate has a very important role on wine grapes and the finished wine. There are many aspects of climate, and learning about how they affect wine will give you insight into why certain areas are better than other for wine grape growing.